OK, so Fantasy Baseball is over, and I won. I am God. Three fantasy leagues, and three championships. My Yahoo! player profile's trophy cabinet is going to need remodeling.
Anyways, I plan on writing a review, but this needs some face time.
http://hs.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19316545016&ref=mf
This kinda drama never happened when '07 was around.
Also, quick note. If anyone here thinks Marc Ecko is a raging cocksucker, read this.
This week's quote is in honor of a player not playing this year: Pac-Man Jones. He reportedly said this to Keith Bulluck, the best player on the Titans defense. This is a funny week of picks, and I don't have too much time to look into them now, but here we go. Season Picks: 29-19, last week 10-6. Spread Picks: 4-9-3 last week, 17-28-3, good thing I am not gambling and no one uses my picks to gamble. On to the games:
Sunday 1:00 PM
Raiders @ Dolphins
The Dolphins are one of the teams I know nothing about this year. I know they are 0-3 but the Raiders are nothing special. Saw part of their game last week, and despite beating the Browns, they never looked that great. I like the Raiders defense to win this game for them.
Raiders, Raiders +4
Texans @ Falcons
There are 9 home underdog games this week which is weird. The Texans are a solid team and kept it respectable and tight last week. The Falcons lost basically because of DeAngelo Hall, I wanted a quote from him from this week but I couldn't find anything crazy enough. I like the Texans, but I am actually going with the Falcons, just a gut feeling on this one.
Falcons, Falcons +3
Ravens @ Browns
I watched both these teams last week, and neither one looked good. The Ravens got picked apart by Kurt Warner (uh-oh) and the Browns got beaten by the Raiders. It's a rivalry game so you know it's gonna be heated and I see both these teams trying to run the ball over the other one. I think the Ravens win under those circumstances.
Ravens, Ravens -4 1/2
Bears @ Lions
YAY! It's Griese time! I like it how Bears fans think that bringing in Griese is so much better than Grossman. Face it, the Bears quarterbacks suck. Have a good year. The lions got embarressed last week, and playing on their home turf, I think they'll be coming back for revenge and I like them against a beat up bears defense.
Lions, Lions +3
Packers @ Vikings
Brett Favre are you kidding me? My starting fantasy QB #1 is balling out of control. I don't know what to say except watch out for my team. We're riding Brett Favre (not in a gay way, kinda) until his arm falls off. The Vikings are bad, really bad. I still really like Tavaris Jackson, but they are pretty pretty pretty awful. I like the Packers, but it is very hard picking them to be 4-0, at least it will be real close.
Packers, Packers -3
Rams @ Cowboys
I didn't realize how bad the Rams were, really I didn't. I've picked them 2 out of 3 weeks and feel stupid for doing it. Now they are playing without Steven Jackson (good thing I didn't have the #1, 2, or potentially even 3 pick in the draft), and Marc Bulger with 3 broken ribs. That's enough right there to back up picking the Cowboys, who are the best team in the NFC, but that's not saying much.
Cowboys, Cowboys -13 1/2
Jets @ Bills
I don't understand the Bills. They come off last year ending the season well but are 0-3 and have scored 24 points (last in the NFL). They are gonna start Trent Edwards (Stanford YAY RJ DUHHH) which is never a good thing. Chad Pennington, my fantasy QB #2 has also been playing money this week and I say it keeps going this week.
Jets, Jets -3 1/2
Bucs @ Panthers
I think I may have picked every Bucs game wrong so far this year (I admit it, I am not very good at this) and I haven't gotten to watch any of their games so I really don't know what they have. But I did get to see the Panthers last week and wasn't too impressed, I mean they got shredded by Joey Harrington. I like the Bucs in this one, in a low-scoring affair. I actually will like them even more if Delhomme comes back instead of Carr.
Bucs, Bucs +3
Seahawks @ Niners
Now from what I can tell, and this is without watching any of their games because none have been televised when I have been watching, the Niners are not looking so good. Especially Alex Smith. Losing Norv Turner is proving to be a big blow for this team and now with no Manny Lawson or VD for some time, they have lost a few playmakers. The Seahawks are winning, but haven't been that impressive yet. I know the Niners beat the Seahawks both times last year, but I don't see it happening Sunday, sorry.
Seahawks, Seahawks -2 1/2
Steelers @ Cards
This is my upset of the week. The Steelers are sitting at 3-0 and the Cardinals are going through a somewhat mini QB controversy. I think Matt Leinart busts out a big fuck you game to everyone and the Cards upset the Steelers. Hopefully Big Ben and Troy Polamalu will be killed in the proceedings as well, except that will make them bigger heros than Superman and Batman.
Cardinals, Cardinals +6 1/2
Chiefs @ Chargers
Two teams that have played poorly thus far. The Chiefs have the second lowest point total, 26, and are off to a whopping 0-3 start (I predicted they would be really bad when I did their division. Note: I really shouldn't be bragging about this because it really isn't that surprising but I don't have a lot going for my picks right now), and the Norv Turner era has begun in S.D. My question is where does this rank in the stupid coaching moves rankings. I say its almost as good as Chelsea firing Jose Mourinho; its close but not quite as dumb- as demonstrated by Chelsea's 0-0 draw at home to the American team Fulham. Anyways the Chargers will win this week but they haven't gotten to the tough part of their schedule yet, that's when this will really get fun.
Chargers, Chargers -12
Broncos @ Colts
I watched in shock as the Broncos stunk up the joint last week against the Jags. That was the ugliest and worst Mike Shanahan coached game I had seen in a while. The Colts are 3-0, but it hasn't quite been the cruise that the record indicates. Their last two games have been tight, and one could make the argument that if either of those teams were better, they would have won those games. I don't see the Broncos sucking back to back weeks, so here's my second upset of the week.
Broncos, Broncos +10 (spread is too big anyways)
Eagles @ Giants
For the first time in my life, I will be able to witness a Giants game in person at the home grounds of the team. I'm not gonna lie, I might cry. This could be a turning point in my life; if this goes as well as I hope it does, I can see myself trying to go to at least 3-4 Giants games a year over the next four year. The Eagles are coming off a big win, but everything for them depends on Brian Westbrook. I expect he'll play, but he's the type of guy who gets hampered by his injuries. The Giants are coming off a big win too, and while every Giants fan is expecting the typical let down by them this week, I am going with my heart instead of my brain. Note: I will be so unsurprised if they just absolutely suck this week. They definately have that in them.
Giants, Giants +2 1/2 I have picked every game of theirs wrong this year thus far
Pats @ Bengals
I'll tell you one thing I hate: living in NE and having to hear about a Pats undefeated season roughly 10 times a day. That being said:
Pats, Pats -7, this could be a 20 point spread and I'd say they'd cover this week.
Peace
I'm positive this is going to be redundant for about half of those who read this blog but I still have to post this YouTube Video. Basically, Milton Bradley has been topic of hilarity for some time now. He automatically makes any team he plays on darker (a plus) and he draws fans like me who can't wait to see his next outburst (a huge plus). For those of you who don't know, Bradley loves his outbursts. Most of them are just basic, run of the mill yell at the umpire for a few minutes and get ejected. Then there are those times when he gets so angry he breaks his bat over his leg. This happens pretty often. Here's an example from this year:
This quote comes from one of favories, Lorenzo Neal in reference to the Pats game last week. A spider monkey? Really? I don't realy have time to look into the games this week so I'm just giving the picks. I went 11-5 last week putting me at 19-13, getting better, and 6-10 against the spread, making me 13-19, getting worse. Here's the picks
Colts @ Texans
Colts, Colts -6 1/2
Chargers @ Packers
Chargers, Chargers -6
Vikings @ Chiefs
Yikes, Vikings, Vikings +3
Lions @ Eagles,
Eagles, Lions +6
Bills @ Patriots
Pats, Bills +17 (that's too much of a college spread)
Dolphins @ Jets
Jets, Jets -3
Niners @ Steelers
Steelers, Niners +9
Cardinals @ Ravens
Ravens, Cardinals +8
Rams @ Bucs
Rams, Rams +4
Jags @ Broncos
Broncos, Broncos -3 1/2
Bengals @ Seahawks
Seahawks, Seahawks -3
Browns @ Raiders
Raiders, Raiders -3
Panthers @ Falcons
Panthers, Panthers -4
Giants @ Redskins
Redskins, Redskins -4
Cowboys @ Bears
Cowboys, Cowboys +3
Titans @ Saints
Saints, Titans +4
Peace...
Hey can someone with acquisition or something like it post a song up here for me. It's called Evidently Chickentown by John Cooper Clarke. It's the song that was played over the baptism scene in the Sopranos from this past season when Phil Leotardo talks about not putting up with shit any more. I really want it but cant download it. Much obliged.
I'm a big fan of Sarnak's knee attack.
This is Belegarth. A week or so ago there was an activities fair at school, and I saw this guy at a table dressed in medieval clothes and wielding a foam sword. He told me Belegarth was a medieval fighting society who trains in the art of the knight, so thinking that this was finally my opportunity to get hired as an extra for a potential Gladiator sequel, I signed up.
Well it turns out that this shit is dead serious. There is an extensive "Book of War" that was "drafted, written, debated on, and approved by the Belegarth War Council of Realms", which is really good to know. If I'm going to fight Dukker, I want to know he's not going to stab me in the back with a Class 2 weapon and claim it as a Class 4 Missile Weapon. Also, I don't want my women enemies running around wearing sports bras underneath their battle garments, because that's just so not cool.
After poking around on YouTube, I found yet another incredible invention. This is LARP:
LARP stands for Live Action Role Play. In another Belegarth video on YouTube, user ZZYZXhorde had this to say about LARPers: "The difference between what we do and what LARPers do is that we focus on the combat and are full force, full contact - it's an athletic martial sport vs. being a bunch of D&D geeks out in the woods tap fighting".
Holy fuck. Did you just slice open my brain, take a shit in it, stir it around and mix in some crystal meth, and then sew it back together? What a fuck head. What a headfuck. Holy fuck. Fuck. Wow.
This is a video made by a guy that I just saw in concert (Dan Deacon) with the guy who did the "Whatever!" song, Liam Lynch. One of the funniest things I have seen in a long time on youtube.
I read about Kavinsky on the train to Boston and as soon as I got hold of his music I realized what my life has been missing: a really dramatic 80's superhero soundtrack. Kavinksky, a French electro artist, filled that void with his heavy electronic riffs that make me think of speedboats and pastel colored blazers with rolled up sleeves. yum. I am posting my favorite song thus far, Testarossa Autodrive, which embodies my favorite elements of his music and also is probably the best driving song since Bidibodibidiboo. Ladies and Gents...Kavinsky (Pictured above in his true form leaning on his Ferrari Testarossa).
This week's quote comes from none other than Randy Moss in his postgame interview after his first game as a Patriot. Apparently the game shows have it out for him too. What a tough life. I opened the season last week with an 8-8 week in terms of picks, which I am somewhat pleased with. If I wasn't retarded I should have done better. Against the spread though I was 7-9, so not bad for a week based primarily on gut feeling and prejudice. This week will be fun, some good matchups, including Tufts-Middlebury tommorow, what most of the experts are calling the game of the week.
Sunday 1:00 PM EST
Bills @ Steelers
The Bills had the Broncos number for about 59:55 minutes last week, but ended up losing on a last second rushed field goal by Jason Elam. However, defensively they currently stand at second-to-last in front of a team who put on an embarrassing defense performance last Sunday night. The Steelers on the other hand rolled to an easy win over the Browns in Cleveland, showing off a fierce defense, and the same sort of passing attack they have always had. Big Ben threw only 23 passes with 12 completions but still had 4 touchdowns. That makes me mad. Look for the Steelers to get to 2-0 this week winning not comfortably but pretty handedly. The Bills just aren't the same team on the road.
Prediction: Steelers, Bills +10 (That spread is just waay to big in my book)
Bengals @ Browns
This is what I mean in terms of spread: the Steelers are 10 point favorites while the Bengals are only 7 point favorites over the team that looked the worst last weekend. The Bengals are coming off a big win over the Ravens and should be able to destroy the Browns defense. Only worry would be a typical "let-down game" but I can't see that happening in Week 2. Let's see if the Browns can get anything going, if not we might get to see Brady Quinn.
Prediction: Bengals, Bengals -7
Colts @ Titans
The greatest show on turf heads down to Nashville to face off against Vince Young, and the 1-0 (called that one) Titans. The Colts dominated a pretty good Saints team, and their defense surprised most by holding the Saints to only 10 points. You have to like the Colts passing attack against the Titans (that really can be said for almost every team though) due to the loss of their most talented defensive back, Pac-Man "Ron Artest 2.0" Jones. However, the most interesting aspect of this matchup could be the Titans rushing attack that rushed for over 200 yards against the Jags, against the Colts rushing D, which normally has more holes in it than Sonny on the Causeway. I don't think it will change too much though.
Prediction: Colts, Colts -7 1/2
Texans @ Panthers
The matchup everyone is talking about this week! David Carr makes his return to Houston to lead the Panthers against his old team! Wait, no. The Panthers surprised me by beating the Rams this week and Jake Delhomme surprised me even more by having a QB rating of 125.7. I thought he'd be in trouble by late September. The Texans are my sleeper team this year, and I like the way that Matt Schaub and the team played last Sunday. The Houston defense was fierce too, giving up only around 215 yards. Here's my first upset of the week, the Texans show up and sneak past the Panthers in a close low scoring game.
Prediction: Texans, Texans +7 (another way too big spread)
Niners @ Rams
Too teams whose games I incorrectly picked last weekend. The Rams were a disappointment in my book, putting up only 238 yards in a loss to the Panthers. Steven Jackson had only 58 yards on 18 carries; so much for my hypothetical decision to pick him 1st in Fantasy. The Niners were nothing special this past week as well, they played very mediocre for the better part of 4 quarters, only to pull off a remarkable last second 4th quarter comeback. A team deserves credit for that, but I am worried about the lack of productivity offensively for the Niners was very disheartening. Alex Smith has to play better over the whole 4 quarters and the Niners should be able to do more against a Rams defense that allowed 387 yards to the Panthers. I like the Niners in this one despite the fact they are playing in St. Louis, which always has been a tough game for them.
Prediction: Niners, Niners +3
Packers @ Giants
The one game if I was a better, I would absolutely not touch. The Giants will be playing without Brandon Jacobs for sure, and most likely (let's be honest here) Osi and Eli. The Giants O looked fierce this past week, as Eli played well- which he has before- but finally looked comfortable, sure of himself and like the elite QB the Giants wanted when they drafted him. Honestly, he was money last week. However, this week the Hefty Lefty will probably start and no one, not a soul, knows what to expect. The Giants D was anemic last week, putting them dead last in total defense, but they play a poor Packers offense this week. The Packers only won last week because the Eagles gifted them that game and despite all the hype given to Brett Favre's performance, I watched most of the game and was far from impressed. He still is nowhere near where he once was. I honestly don't know who to pick, if Eli was there, it woud no question be Giants, but he's a ? mark, and as a result so is this game. I guess i just gotta go with the home team then for safety.
Prediction: Giants?, Giants -1?
Falcons @ Jaguars
Two teams with lots of questions to answer going into Week 1. Will Joey Harrington ever lead a team to a win? Will the Jags ever put it all together? Was David Gerrard the man to keep? Can the Jags, in spite of all their talent, stop the run? I think the Falcons have the potential to be really bad this year, I mean like 2-14 bad, and was happy that they lost last week so I didn't have to hear 1000 Joey Harrington is back stories. The Jags are the better team in this game and I suspect they will win, but they have to get more out of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, and so do I cause I have both in respective Fantasy leagues.
Prediction: Jags, Falcons +10 1/2 (these spreads are scaring me a little)
Saints @ Bucs
The Saints got plastered last week by the Colts (somewhat surprisingly) while the Bucs got plastered by the Seahawks last week (not at all surprisingly). The Bucs are another team that would be better off in the CFL or NFL Europe, and I am looking for the Saints to put up huge numbers against them. I was very disheartened by Reggie Bush's performance last week, but what shocked me more was the poor play of the Saints wide receivers, they combined for only 100 yards receiving. This week that has to, and should be more.
Prediction: Saints, Saints -4 (spread waay too little)
4:05 EST
Vikings @ Lions
An epic matchup between 2 of the fiercest 1-0 teams in the league. Nope that's silly, the Vikings beat the Falcons (second worst this year?) while the Lions beat the Raiders (worst this year?). I like the Lions passing attack, but would like it even more with Kitna not there. I am really eager to see what Mr. Adrian Peterson is capable of over the course of the season, and I hope he has a big week this week...I am starting him in fantasy. I like the Lions in this game, and the more I think about it, I think they could have the chance to compete for this division as long as they don't play retarded.
Prediction: Lions, Lions -3 1/2
Cowboys @ Dolphins
The Cowboys put up almost 500 yards against a defense that could have been replaced by 11 senior citizens from an old people home with oxygen tanks and done better than they did. The Dolphins are another mediocre team, and they got beat by a mediocre Redskins team. I watched the end of that game, and was shocked to see how easily the Redskins drove through them, I think that will continue this week. As much as I hate to say it, I see the Cowboys at 2-0 and in the driving seat for this division right now. But, they need Terrance Newman to do anything big this year.
Prediction: Cowboys, Cowboys -4
Seahawks @ Cardinals
The Seahawks were the most easy pick of last week, and the Cardinals were my bandwagon disappointment, proving that no matter what, they are still the Arizona Shitty Fucking Cardinals. Edge got his game going a little bit, and it will be interesting to see if he can keep it going this week against a more solid (sorry niners fans) Seattle defense. I like the Seahawks to do work this year, so does Bill Simmons, and I am pretty sure they will be able to handle the Cards this week. They should be 2-0 without having to break a sweat.
Prediction: Seahawks, Seahawks -3
Jets @ Ravens
I feel that people don't really know what to expect from this game, considering the Pats were at another level last week- I wonder why- and the Jets never really had a chance. The Ravens dropped one to the Bengals, but I really can't see them all the way down at 0-2. Especially not after a home game, especially not after wearing those all black unis. The Jets shouldn't be too worried if Pennington can't start, I see Clemens as pretty much the same thing, but they should be worried about their rushing game. Thomas Jones did not look good. That is a big concern for a franchise looking for a back to replace Curtis Martin.
Prediction: Ravens, Ravens -10
Raiders @ Broncos
One of the worst teams in the league travels to one of the hardest places to play in football. I think we all know how this one will probably play out.
Prediction: Broncos, Broncos covering whatever spread they put up
Chiefs @ Bears
One of the worst offenses in the league facing off against one of the top defenses in the league. The Bears team this year looks exactly the same to me as the Bears team from last year: fierce, swarming defense, ok running attack, worst QB/Passing attack of any good team, will beat the mediocre teams only to lose to good ones. The Bears will be tough to beat for most everyone, and the Chiefs definately aren't pulling off this upset.
Prediction: Bears, Chiefs +13 (Just cause I am not sure if the Bears can score 13 points)
8:15 EST
Chargers @ Patriots
Undoubtably the matchup of the week, but its coming about 12 weeks too soon. This game should be a late season test for both teams. The Pats looked incredible last week, and no matter what everyone wants to think, its not solely cause they were taping the Jets signals. The Chargers did well by surviving the Bears. I've always thought its easier to play defense earlier in the season, cause offenses aren't quite on the same signals yet, so beating the Bears early is a pretty nice accomplishment. The Pats have something to prove this week: that they can win without cheating. The Chargers have something to prove this week: that they are better than the Pats, and deserve revenge for their Divisional loss to them last year. Expect this to be a fast hard-hitting game. I like LT to have a big week, but I don't see the Chargers stopping the Pats offense. And you know what's funny: Shawne Merriman cheated by taking steroids but no one seems to care that much. I mean he still made the pro bowl and has his own nike commercials, which are dope by the way.
Prediction: Pats, Pats -4
Monday 8:30 EST
Redskins @ Eagles
No game last week pleased me more than the Eagles games. One of my good friends here is an Eagles fan, and watching him go through what Giants fans normally have to go through was beautiful. I love seeing them lose, especially to shitty teams, and especially by giving the game away. The Redskins won though, which pissed me off, and I think this week things will even out for these two NFC East teams. Donny Mac (as the Eagles fan calls him) has gotta play better and the Eagles need to shore things up, but Andy Reid is a good coach, and I expect them to be ready to kick the Skins ass this week.
Prediction: Eagles, Eagles -7
This is what I do when I sleep through my classes
Kanye thrashes 50 Cent in first-day sales race...
This is so sad. Yesterday I bought the Kanye West album on iTunes and thus contributed in my first cause that actually might accomplish something. The CD is not that bad either.
In my last post I said check out www.collegehumour.com. While I have started to browse that site is has nothing on www.tuckermax.com. This is essential a blog created by a Duke law school student on which he writes stories (supposedly non- fiction) about the rediculously funny shit him and his friends get into. The stories are extremely long and while always entertaining each one has parts that will actually make you laugh out loud... in a room by yourself. The first one to check out is The Austin Road trip. These guys are complete assholes but the lunacy of what they do is hilarious.
Ladies and Gents, I am going to keep this short and sweet in order to get the point across, buy the new Kanye West album. I said BUY. This is just a reminder from the post made earlier by Widukind. If Kanye outsells 50 Cent in the first week that their albums are released, 50 vows that he will never make another solo album. I hate 50 Cent so much that I will buy an album for the first time in a very long time. So buy Kanye's album. Even if you don't like him, do it just to spite 50. To check who is doing better, check Billboard.com.
In honor of opening weekend, here's some wisdom from Marshawn Lynch:
Ryan Braun for MVP.
In keeping with last season's weekly previews, this year's will begin with a quote from a different player every week. This one comes from Travis Henry, in response to the leaking of the fact that he has nine children with 9 different women. WOW. Check out the article here: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070827/SPORTS11/70827008/1038/ENT03. Anyways, its a new season, and keeping with last years work, I will do game previews on a weekly basis. And yes I know I forgot to do all the divisions for my preseason preview but that was too much work, and I didn't have time for that with soccer preseason. I'll do my playoff predictions at the end. Anyways last year I went 42-38 in my picks, so over .500, and I went 37-43 so hopefully this year I will fare better over the course of a full season. But there will be no betting prior to the end of soccer season as that's illegal and could get me in big trouble. Anyways lets get the picks going.
Thursday 8:30 EST
Saints @ Colts
The Saints are one of two popular picks to win the NFC this season, and with the #1 ranked offense last year they should be. Reggie Bush can only improve, and with Drew Brees having a second year in this system he should have an even bigger year. The Colts are not a popular pick to repeat despite the strength of their squad, but I think they'll still have a fairly succesful year. In the first game of the 2007 NFL season, I do like the Colts however. I think that in this game that will most likely be a shootout, the Colts will win solely as a result of their home field advantage. I feel that in Week 1, that will make the most difference. But I think the game will be close, with a late Vinatieri field goal possibly deciding the game. That sounds about right.
Prediction: Colts, Saints +6 1/2
Sunday 1:00 EST
Chiefs @ Texans
Two teams that I see going in different directions this year. I like the Texans to have a definite up year this year, and I think the Chiefs could be in big trouble with Larry Johnson having gotten 400+ carries last year. Herm Edwards says he'll not use LJ as much earlier, to keep him healthy and away from injury, but then their team sucks. I mean without LJ this is a real bad team. It remains to be seen if Huard can be a real QB for a full season and their defense lacks talent. On the other hand, I like Matt Schaub and the Texans this year, and feel that this is a team that could reach the .500 plateau with a little luck. I expect this to be pretty low scoring, with the Texans prevailing in the end.
Prediction: Texans, Texans -3
Broncos @ Bills
The Broncos are a team that I feel should be playing with a little chip on the shoulder and extra motivation considering the offseason they had, and I think they will actually have a pretty solid season out west. The Bills on the other hand were a team at the way up at the end of last year, and are a team that I feel is just a big question mark this year. In this game, I go with the coaching, experience, and talent of the Broncos over the youth and potential of the Bills. The Bills won't be bad this year, but they are not beating the Broncos in week 1, however they have been known to pull off the big win in week 1. See two or three years ago.
Prediction: Broncos, Broncos -3
Steelers @ Browns
The Steelers are one of my least favorite teams (Ben Roethlisberger eats my bunghole) but they do have talent in certain positions. The Browns are a team with a lot of question marks at a lot of big positions, but I think they could surprise people a little this year. I don't think Charlie Frye is as bad as everyone makes him out to be, and I like the Edwards-Winslow combo. I am also curious to see what Jamal Lewis can do this year. The Steelers on the other hand, I expect to be the same-old Steelers team they are every year. Lots of running and defense, and lame ball protection by Gay Ben. I am taking the upset in this game for week 1, as I like the Browns at home (see the trend here) in this big rivalry game.
Prediction: Browns, Browns +5 1/2
Titans @ Jaguars
Now in my preseason previews of conferences I did, I said I liked the Jags this year. Cancel that. I liked them with Byron Leftwich; I do not like them with Steven Gerrard or whoever at QB. This game now gets won on the old VY factor, so I am picking the Titans and VY to pull off this big upset in week 1. If Vince Young was not on the Titans, the Jags would be the pick, if Byron Leftwich was on the Jags, I would like them in this game easy.
Prediction: Titans, Titans +6 1/2
Panthers @ Rams
This game is between two teams, that I honestly see are right at about the same skill level. They both have talent, seem to underperform just a slight tad, and rely on big playmakers. Steve Smith could have a big game here, and I expect the Panthers to get him involved early and often. The Rams will rely heavily, if they are smart, on Steven Jackson, as Torry Holt doesn't seem to be entirely healthy yet. I like the Rams at home to win this one, and I expect both of these teams to finish at about the same mark this year.
Prediction: Rams, Rams -1 1/2
Eagles @ Packers
As much as I would love this season to be a swansong happy ending for #4 (partly for selfish fantasy reasons), I don't see it happening. The Eagles must focus on protecting Donovon McNabb for the early part of the season, but I think he needs to prove to himself at the start that he is healthy and ready to go for the full season. This is a big year for him, with the Shegles taking Kolb with their second round pick, and I feel the pressure to win is high this year. I like the Eagles in this one, which isn't a tough pick, but I think this could be a blowout.
Prediction: Eagles, Eagles -3
Falcons @ Vikings
This could have been kind of a tight game a little while ago, with Tavaris Jackson and Michael Vick facing off, but then Vick decided to castrate the public's opinion of him. I mean he could have honestly taken out his penis and peed on a disabled woman's face and people would have been in less of a furor than with the dogfighting. Now this is simply a pretty boring matchup. I really want to see what Tavaris Jackson can do (I am not expecting much) as well as Adrian Peterson, and to be honest I hope the Falcons tank cause I am so fucking sick of Joey Harrington and if they win a couple games early, that will be all that we hear about. And you know what, I think they are gonna win, and that's exactly what will happen in week 1.
Prediction: Falcons, Falcons +3
Dolphins @ Redskins
This is kind of a bizarre week 1 matchup, a replay of the Super Bowl of the Dolphins undefeated season, and these are two pretty mediocre teams. The Redskins are relying on an unproven kid at QB in Jason Campbell, while the Dolphins are relying on an old Trent Green, instead of a young Brady Quinn. I mean, can we talk about how bizarre that pick was, Ted Ginn at #9, are you kdding me. This isn't Madden, its the real world, you don't take sick over good. I like the Fish in this one for no apparent reason other than the fact that I think the Skins could be real bad this year, and the fact that I hate them and hope they don't succeed. Let's be honest, it's week 1, I don't have that much to go on other than my gut and last year a little, so some of the picks are gonna be influence by my own hopes.
Prediction: Fish, Fish +3
Patriots @ Jets
I am not sick of all the Pats talk quite yet, but I know that it's coming, and I got a kid in my dorm who's a lacrosse player and a huge Jets fans who I talk a lot of shit with, so I am gonna have to be rooting for the Jets in this one. The Pats are unquestionably the most talented team in the league this year in my opinion, and the Jets have a lot to prove. I do feel that the Pats will be hurt at some point early on by the losses of Rodney Harrison and Richard Seymour, but not in week 1. And really was it that surprising that Rodney Harrison was found to be using HGH? I mean of any football player, I would say he would definately be in the top 5 for steroid usage.
Prediction: Pats, Pats -6 1/2
4:15 EST
Bucs @ Seahawks
These two teams actually played each other in the last game of the season last year (I think, I am too lazy to check to make sure) and I expect the result to be the same- the Seahawks will win. I think the Seahawks may be better than last year, to the dismay of all you Niners fan, but I expect guys like Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck to play a little better this year. The Bucs are a pretty mediocre team in my book, and did not do nowhere near enough this offseason to address their multiple issues, even though they now have 1,000 QB's. I like the Seahawks to win comfortably in this win, and I expect Shaun Alexander to start off this year's campaign with a bang.
Prediction: Seahawks, Seahawks -6
Bears @ Chargers
This matchup I am actually finding kind of intriguing the more I look out. Look I know everyone thinks that the Bolts will probably smash on the Bears in this one, and there definately is that chance, but for some reason I think this could be a really good, fun, and interesting matchup. I can't quite explain it, it's just kind of a gut feeling. I think Rex Grossman sucks, and I love it how he is challeging all the haters or whatever he's doing, but I think the Bears defense could step up with a huge performance in this one to keep this game close. I am gonna pick the Bolts, but won't be surprised if it's close or the Bolts pull the upset. I am also pumped to see the new jerseys for the Chargers, the White Helmets are fucking money.
Prediction: Chargers, Bears +6 1/2
Lions @ Raiders
You gotta love the NFL for matching up the two worst teams in the league last year against each other in week 1. I mean I am really jealous of you folks on the west coast who will get to watch this epic struggle. I wish JaMarcus Russel was playing, I am really curious to see what he can do this year, I think he is another one of the really intriguing players who will factor into this season and the next couple years. I expect Calvin Johnson to do fucking work this year and on into the future with Roy Williams, and I kinda wish they had a sick QB who I could root for so I could kinda bandwagon them. I don't really know why, but that sounds like an appealing idea to me right now. I think the Lions will win in this won, cause the Raiders really really blow. I like Namdi Asomuagh though. I'm pretty sure I butchered that spelling.
Prediction: Lions, Lions +1 1/2
Sunday 8:15
Giants @ Cowboys
Now we get to what I have been wanting to talk about for a long, long, fucking time. Honestly you should be glad that I didn't get to do the NFC East preview cause it would have been so fucking long cause I can talk about those teams forever and have a lot to say about the Giants this year. So now time to get some of it off my chest. First, I will start off saying now that I am picking the Giants to win this game. I feel like they have gotten a bad rap from the press, and part of that is definately deserved, don't get me wrong, but I think that they are a better team than people might give them credit for. I am saying this for the first time, and this is actually pretty true, I think you guys can vouch, but I actually feel that Eli Manning might make the jump a little bit this year. I'm saying it now, his preseason, and attitude going in this year has finally made me a believer. I like BJ at Tailback, and expect Ahmad Bradshaw to be the #2 guy by the end of year. The WR corps should be solid with Plax, a healthy Amani Toomer, Steve Smith (who had a great camp), and Sinorice Moss, whos got a lot to prove. The big questions will be the line and the secondary. The secondary could be bad, really bad. But Justin Tuck has had a huge camp and is an apt replacement for Stray, Osi has looked good, and the new scheme works much better with Pierce. Enough of that though. The Cowboys are the other popular NFC pick, but I think they could be one of the busts this year. Romo remains a question mark in my book, and I think Wade Phillips is probly better at eating than coaching, and will fuck with their talent this year. I can't bet, but I had a strong desire to put some scrilla on the Giants this year.
Prediction: Giants, Giants +6
Monday 7:00 EST
Ravens @ Bengals
Ok, I'm getting tired so I'm keeping it quick for this one. I like the Ravens in this one. I think their defense will stifle the Bengals offense and I think their offense will be able to put up points on the Bengals defense. Watch out for Willis McGahee, I see him doing big things this year.
Prediction: Ravens, Ravens +3
10:15 EST
Cardinals @ Niners
Now what everyone else who reads this blog might read instead of everything else. The Niners are kind of the hot bandwagon team this year, which is a bad sign considering those teams always tend to not live up to their preseason hype. Their talent is undeniable but sorry I put them a year away. Smith will have some problems without Norv Turner but I expect will have a decent year, and I think Frank Gore should too, if he avoids injury which is absolutely key. I still have big questions about their defense, and I think their run defense could be especially weak this year as I don't particularly think they have enough talent along the line (aside from and old BY) to run a 3-4. Now this whole thing will probably piss off everyone and Widukind especially, but I think the #2 team from this league this year and future wild card will be none other than the Arizona Cardinals. There is no denying their talent at the skill positions and I like the fact that they brought in Grimm and Wisenhunt from Pittsburgh. That was a pretty fucking astute move.
Prediction: Cardinals, Cardinals +3
Playoff prediction: Here are my predicted playoff teams in order of final standings by conference.
AFC: Patriots, Ravens, Chargers, Colts, Broncos, Bengals
NFC: Saints, Seahawks, Eagles, Bears, Cardinals, Cowboys
Go ahead everyone, rip into me and my picks. I know its coming. Michael I can't wait to hear what you in particular have to say about this.
I don't know what to say about this guy. I read an article about him about five month ago and thought nothing of him. My outlook changed when I met Roxanne's cousin and she told me that, like Girl Talk, Wale played her schools "Go-Go", which is similar to a school dance, but all they have is Go-Go music playing. If you all listened to the albums that I posted a couple of months ago you would know what Go-Go is, but I will refresh your memory: Go-Go is a version of big band Hip-Hop that has lots of live drumming and horns (pretty awesome). I hope you enjoy this mixtape as much as I do, but I will also post some individual tracks (including a remix of D.A.N.C.E. by Justice that is really great). Please enjoy...
